Pumping Energy into the Austin Fitness Community
by Karen Little
Editorial Assistant
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6 LOCAL GYM OWNERS MAKING THE “FITTEST CITY” EVEN FITTER
SUSAN COOPER
Body Business at Anderson/Davenport
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
In 1982 I was state director for an aerobic dance franchise (similar to Jazzercise) in Hawaii called “Dancergetics.” We moved to Austin because my husband got a fantastic job opportunity here. I was eight months pregnant with my first child and looking for a place to work out until I delivered. When my daughter was four months old, I went to a local racquetball club (Supreme Court) and offered to teach free aerobics if they would let me build a program. We started in a racquetball court with 45s and a record player; two years later I was the aerobics director for all five clubs. In 1984, Penny Reeves-Goff and I started “The WorkOut of Austin,” which quickly transformed to BodyBusiness. We opened three aerobic studios in 1986 (right before the stock market crash) and then had to close two studios within a year. We eventually moved one into a vacated health club in 1992. In 2003, the year I turned 50, I opened our Davenport Village Club.
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART?
First of all, BodyBusiness Health Club & Spas are the only female-owned and independently-operated full-service health clubs in Austin. Our Anderson Lane location is a unique “Keep Austin Weird” club. Our Davenport Village location is a boutique-style club. Both clubs have private personal training and Pilates studios, mind/body studios and day spa for members and guests. The BodyBusiness culture is like “Cheers,” where everybody knows your name. “Providing our members with a positively memorable experience on each and every visit,” which is our staff credo.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Our business has the opportunity to touch and even change people’s lives every time they walk through our door.
WHO SUPPORTS YOU MOST?
My biggest supporters in helping me reach my goals continue to be my wonderful family and amazing staff.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS?
Global obesity is rising at an alarming rate, and the only way to fight obesity is through diet and exercise. The world will begin to see exercise as medicine. At the present time, only 17% of the U.S. population is health club members. This means our industry has an amazing potential to grow and help fight this epidemic.
WHAT DOES YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
I still teach three group classes a week. I lift weights twice a week, work with a Pilates trainer once a week, and walk four miles three to four days a week.
BETO BOGGIANO
Pure Austin at Lake Austin/Quarry Lake
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART?
It’s thrown around a lot these days but we really are a tight family. Our ethical realm is to treat others the way they want to be treated and not the way we want to be treated. We need to constantly keep two-way communication for that to work. When we designed our clubs, we never looked at other gyms but cool restaurants, bars and other places that felt captivating. We are very different in that we focus on retention more than signing up new members. It’s much more fun, because life is too short not to make it fun.
HOW DID YOU START PURE AUSTIN?
We opened our doors on April 5, 1999 at our downtown location. At the time we wanted a club that would cater to the Austin lifestyle. We used but never really enjoyed going to gyms: the high pressure sales, the uncleanliness and the meathead mentality. We wrote down all the things we didn’t like about gyms and all the cool stuff we’d love to see instead. I was working a job in a dark genetics lab, so I thought, “What is there to lose? Let’s give this a shot.” We presented our ideas to a couple developers before the downtown boom and got a shot at it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST IN YOUR WORK?
It's been almost 10 years now and the one thing that makes me look forward to going to work is the people. The members and staff come up with very innovative ideas, and they know we’re willing to try them out. Some work, some don’t; but the fun part is trying them out. We always tell our staff that it's our responsibility to set the trend but not to follow it. It must be a niche or very special people, but they definitely cannot be categorized or compartmentalized into the general “gym-type” people. It makes the job evolve all the time and challenging to change, but when we stop, we will fail and become a “gym.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY IN SHAPE?
I’m all over the place. Mountain and road cycling are my favorites. I do resistance training but mostly at home and about once a week at the gym. I also take the kids out and motocross on the weekends. Having a goal to shoot for seems to be the catalyst. Even if it’s only a few big ones per year. Oh, and of course I do sit ups before bed. Haaaa.
KIRK LEAVELL
Wild Basin at Steiner Ranch/Westlake
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I trained a client for several years, and he saw great results in his fitness and overall health. That experience lead to a partnership of money, time and hard work. Wild Basin Fitness opened in 1996 and I became the sole owner a few years later. The business was founded on hard work and dedication, and built by referrals and word-of-mouth.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I started personal training in 1992 in College Station and San Antonio, and then made the move to Austin in 1994. The original Wild Basin Fitness opened in Westlake in 1996 and the Steiner location opened its doors in 2006.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR WORK?
Many clients come to me with a list of “I can’t(s),” and that motivates me. I find a lot of job satisfaction in other people’s fitness accomplishments. Helping someone achieve their goals by enabling them to do something they thought they couldn’t is very rewarding and inspiring.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY IN SHAPE?
I am a firm believer in variety. I play golf, tennis, lift weights, ski, wakeboard, trail run, mountain bike and attend yoga to keep things fun and interesting.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN WORKING OUT?
Balance is important to overall health and fitness. I constantly evaluate my client’s strengths and weaknesses in order to develop the weak spots and maintain that balance.
WHAT KIND OF GROWTH HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR GYM SINCE THE START?
I opened Westlake with my original 30 clients and grew to nine additional trainers and 150 members. The Steiner Ranch location has grown to nine trainers, 15 classroom instructors and 500 members in the last two years.
JOHN BARZIZZA
The Hills Health Club & Wellness Center
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I purchased The Hills in 1990 from a publicly-held company. This was during a recession and the environment was very challenging. The business was 11 years old when I acquired it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR JOB?
It’s truly wonderful when a person can sell a product that’s good for the heart, mind, body and soul of the buyer. I’m inspired by this fortunate combination as well as achieving an important 20-year milestone in the business next year.
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART FROM OTHER AUSTIN GYMS?
Loyal, dedicated and talented employees — many of whom have been with us for 15+ years, the good fortune of our location, the unique campus setting, and the medical integration we have achieved and will continue to enhance.
WHAT ARE THE MOST EXCITING THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR GYM?
The development of wellness, preventative health and other medical practices integrated with the health club to varying degrees. Also, the further development of our staff’s skill set — such as our personal trainers acquiring post-rehab certifications.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I was an athlete in high school, an exerciser for all of my 50 years and have 18 years in the fitness business.
PAOLO MINISSI
Castle Hill Fitness Specialized Fitness
HOW DID YOU START YOUR GYM?
I started Castle Hill Fitness on October 16, 2002 by taking over a downtown location previously occupied by another gym that went out of business. After a long and rewarding entrepreneurial career in energy conservation, I was on the lookout for an opportunity to apply my skills to a more social context than the corporate venues of my prior business; nevertheless it was not clear to me how this would materialize. I stumbled across this gym by being a customer first, feeling the positive energy shared by a great group of fitness professionals and their loyal customer base. Eventually I stepped in as the new leader when the existing business closed down.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR GYM UNIQUE?
A couple of things in my opinion do stand out. First, the diversity of our clients stands out, because we have everything from children and college students, to young, more mature professionals and a number of seniors. Second, we offer a broad choice of activities — each conducted within “specialized” environments that are more studio-like than gym-like. We are the opposite of a “big box” gym, despite our respectable 17,000+ square foot floor plan. Also our full service Food 4 Fitness Café and Biciclette Italiane bike shop are unique signatures that differentiate us from others. Lastly, we are big proponents of welcoming non-members, which is not only community friendly, but good during an economic downturn.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST WHILE AT CASTLE HILL?
After six years of operation, I am very proud of the community we have created at Castle Hill. From the glass windows of my open cubicle (which is located directly behind our front desk), I have the privilege to witnessing firsthand the high quality of interactions among people. I am very satisfied with what I see, though I remain challenged!
WHAT KIND OF GROWTH HAVE YOU SEEN?
Our business has nearly doubled in the last six years, starting with a good base in our first year, inherited from the former gym at this same location. I feel that we are keeping slightly ahead of Austin’s growth in fitness, especially when you account for all the openings of new gyms, yoga and Pilates studios.
WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS?
I am a strong proponent of the “small is beautiful” paradigm, having spent my entire career in small business. I look forward to keeping Castle Hill its present size (in terms of facilities), while expanding its outreach and services. We are located in a densely populated area, and have many more potential customers entering the downtown area with the recent high-rise development; so a lot of growth is available in our immediate service area. I also want to expand our outdoor programs, because I think everyone can benefit from spending more exercise time outside.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC LOCATION?
Because of the demographics and population density, downtown seemed the logical place to operate from. It is the heart of the city, and I much enjoy the energy that comes with that.
BROOK JONES
Hyde Park Gym in Hyde Park
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AMONGST YOUR MEMBERSHIP?
There is a strong sense of ownership among the members. It’s a very social group, and their desire to be involved in operating decisions is higher than I expected. It’s a great community.
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
Hyde Park Gym opened in 1981. I joined in ’96 and took over in ‘06.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE IN THE HYDE PARK AREA?
The location was chosen when I was seven years old. We’ve kept it here because it’s convenient, the adjacent streets are great for walking and running and Hyde Park is full of fun, creative people.
WHAT ARE THE MOST EXCITING THINGS AT YOUR GYM?
We’re not big on flash. Members get what they sign up for — a friendly, comfortable, well-equipped place to work out. This consistency finds its way into our members’ regimens and results.
SUSAN COOPER
Body Business at Anderson/Davenport
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
In 1982 I was state director for an aerobic dance franchise (similar to Jazzercise) in Hawaii called “Dancergetics.” We moved to Austin because my husband got a fantastic job opportunity here. I was eight months pregnant with my first child and looking for a place to work out until I delivered. When my daughter was four months old, I went to a local racquetball club (Supreme Court) and offered to teach free aerobics if they would let me build a program. We started in a racquetball court with 45s and a record player; two years later I was the aerobics director for all five clubs. In 1984, Penny Reeves-Goff and I started “The WorkOut of Austin,” which quickly transformed to BodyBusiness. We opened three aerobic studios in 1986 (right before the stock market crash) and then had to close two studios within a year. We eventually moved one into a vacated health club in 1992. In 2003, the year I turned 50, I opened our Davenport Village Club.
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART?
First of all, BodyBusiness Health Club & Spas are the only female-owned and independently-operated full-service health clubs in Austin. Our Anderson Lane location is a unique “Keep Austin Weird” club. Our Davenport Village location is a boutique-style club. Both clubs have private personal training and Pilates studios, mind/body studios and day spa for members and guests. The BodyBusiness culture is like “Cheers,” where everybody knows your name. “Providing our members with a positively memorable experience on each and every visit,” which is our staff credo.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Our business has the opportunity to touch and even change people’s lives every time they walk through our door.
WHO SUPPORTS YOU MOST?
My biggest supporters in helping me reach my goals continue to be my wonderful family and amazing staff.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS?
Global obesity is rising at an alarming rate, and the only way to fight obesity is through diet and exercise. The world will begin to see exercise as medicine. At the present time, only 17% of the U.S. population is health club members. This means our industry has an amazing potential to grow and help fight this epidemic.
WHAT DOES YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
I still teach three group classes a week. I lift weights twice a week, work with a Pilates trainer once a week, and walk four miles three to four days a week.
BETO BOGGIANO
Pure Austin at Lake Austin/Quarry Lake
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART?
It’s thrown around a lot these days but we really are a tight family. Our ethical realm is to treat others the way they want to be treated and not the way we want to be treated. We need to constantly keep two-way communication for that to work. When we designed our clubs, we never looked at other gyms but cool restaurants, bars and other places that felt captivating. We are very different in that we focus on retention more than signing up new members. It’s much more fun, because life is too short not to make it fun.
HOW DID YOU START PURE AUSTIN?
We opened our doors on April 5, 1999 at our downtown location. At the time we wanted a club that would cater to the Austin lifestyle. We used but never really enjoyed going to gyms: the high pressure sales, the uncleanliness and the meathead mentality. We wrote down all the things we didn’t like about gyms and all the cool stuff we’d love to see instead. I was working a job in a dark genetics lab, so I thought, “What is there to lose? Let’s give this a shot.” We presented our ideas to a couple developers before the downtown boom and got a shot at it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST IN YOUR WORK?
It's been almost 10 years now and the one thing that makes me look forward to going to work is the people. The members and staff come up with very innovative ideas, and they know we’re willing to try them out. Some work, some don’t; but the fun part is trying them out. We always tell our staff that it's our responsibility to set the trend but not to follow it. It must be a niche or very special people, but they definitely cannot be categorized or compartmentalized into the general “gym-type” people. It makes the job evolve all the time and challenging to change, but when we stop, we will fail and become a “gym.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY IN SHAPE?
I’m all over the place. Mountain and road cycling are my favorites. I do resistance training but mostly at home and about once a week at the gym. I also take the kids out and motocross on the weekends. Having a goal to shoot for seems to be the catalyst. Even if it’s only a few big ones per year. Oh, and of course I do sit ups before bed. Haaaa.
KIRK LEAVELL
Wild Basin at Steiner Ranch/Westlake
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I trained a client for several years, and he saw great results in his fitness and overall health. That experience lead to a partnership of money, time and hard work. Wild Basin Fitness opened in 1996 and I became the sole owner a few years later. The business was founded on hard work and dedication, and built by referrals and word-of-mouth.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I started personal training in 1992 in College Station and San Antonio, and then made the move to Austin in 1994. The original Wild Basin Fitness opened in Westlake in 1996 and the Steiner location opened its doors in 2006.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR WORK?
Many clients come to me with a list of “I can’t(s),” and that motivates me. I find a lot of job satisfaction in other people’s fitness accomplishments. Helping someone achieve their goals by enabling them to do something they thought they couldn’t is very rewarding and inspiring.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY IN SHAPE?
I am a firm believer in variety. I play golf, tennis, lift weights, ski, wakeboard, trail run, mountain bike and attend yoga to keep things fun and interesting.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN WORKING OUT?
Balance is important to overall health and fitness. I constantly evaluate my client’s strengths and weaknesses in order to develop the weak spots and maintain that balance.
WHAT KIND OF GROWTH HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR GYM SINCE THE START?
I opened Westlake with my original 30 clients and grew to nine additional trainers and 150 members. The Steiner Ranch location has grown to nine trainers, 15 classroom instructors and 500 members in the last two years.
JOHN BARZIZZA
The Hills Health Club & Wellness Center
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I purchased The Hills in 1990 from a publicly-held company. This was during a recession and the environment was very challenging. The business was 11 years old when I acquired it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR JOB?
It’s truly wonderful when a person can sell a product that’s good for the heart, mind, body and soul of the buyer. I’m inspired by this fortunate combination as well as achieving an important 20-year milestone in the business next year.
WHAT SETS YOUR GYM APART FROM OTHER AUSTIN GYMS?
Loyal, dedicated and talented employees — many of whom have been with us for 15+ years, the good fortune of our location, the unique campus setting, and the medical integration we have achieved and will continue to enhance.
WHAT ARE THE MOST EXCITING THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR GYM?
The development of wellness, preventative health and other medical practices integrated with the health club to varying degrees. Also, the further development of our staff’s skill set — such as our personal trainers acquiring post-rehab certifications.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
I was an athlete in high school, an exerciser for all of my 50 years and have 18 years in the fitness business.
PAOLO MINISSI
Castle Hill Fitness Specialized Fitness
HOW DID YOU START YOUR GYM?
I started Castle Hill Fitness on October 16, 2002 by taking over a downtown location previously occupied by another gym that went out of business. After a long and rewarding entrepreneurial career in energy conservation, I was on the lookout for an opportunity to apply my skills to a more social context than the corporate venues of my prior business; nevertheless it was not clear to me how this would materialize. I stumbled across this gym by being a customer first, feeling the positive energy shared by a great group of fitness professionals and their loyal customer base. Eventually I stepped in as the new leader when the existing business closed down.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR GYM UNIQUE?
A couple of things in my opinion do stand out. First, the diversity of our clients stands out, because we have everything from children and college students, to young, more mature professionals and a number of seniors. Second, we offer a broad choice of activities — each conducted within “specialized” environments that are more studio-like than gym-like. We are the opposite of a “big box” gym, despite our respectable 17,000+ square foot floor plan. Also our full service Food 4 Fitness Café and Biciclette Italiane bike shop are unique signatures that differentiate us from others. Lastly, we are big proponents of welcoming non-members, which is not only community friendly, but good during an economic downturn.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST WHILE AT CASTLE HILL?
After six years of operation, I am very proud of the community we have created at Castle Hill. From the glass windows of my open cubicle (which is located directly behind our front desk), I have the privilege to witnessing firsthand the high quality of interactions among people. I am very satisfied with what I see, though I remain challenged!
WHAT KIND OF GROWTH HAVE YOU SEEN?
Our business has nearly doubled in the last six years, starting with a good base in our first year, inherited from the former gym at this same location. I feel that we are keeping slightly ahead of Austin’s growth in fitness, especially when you account for all the openings of new gyms, yoga and Pilates studios.
WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS?
I am a strong proponent of the “small is beautiful” paradigm, having spent my entire career in small business. I look forward to keeping Castle Hill its present size (in terms of facilities), while expanding its outreach and services. We are located in a densely populated area, and have many more potential customers entering the downtown area with the recent high-rise development; so a lot of growth is available in our immediate service area. I also want to expand our outdoor programs, because I think everyone can benefit from spending more exercise time outside.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC LOCATION?
Because of the demographics and population density, downtown seemed the logical place to operate from. It is the heart of the city, and I much enjoy the energy that comes with that.
BROOK JONES
Hyde Park Gym in Hyde Park
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AMONGST YOUR MEMBERSHIP?
There is a strong sense of ownership among the members. It’s a very social group, and their desire to be involved in operating decisions is higher than I expected. It’s a great community.
HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
Hyde Park Gym opened in 1981. I joined in ’96 and took over in ‘06.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE IN THE HYDE PARK AREA?
The location was chosen when I was seven years old. We’ve kept it here because it’s convenient, the adjacent streets are great for walking and running and Hyde Park is full of fun, creative people.
WHAT ARE THE MOST EXCITING THINGS AT YOUR GYM?
We’re not big on flash. Members get what they sign up for — a friendly, comfortable, well-equipped place to work out. This consistency finds its way into our members’ regimens and results.
Ally Davidson: A True American Gladiator, June 2009 Issue
Swimsuit Guide 2009, May 2009 Issue
Joe Vitale Has Green on His Mind, April 2009 Issue
